Generally, healthcare access is defined as the ease with which patients can obtain medical care that is more than needed for them. There are a lot of factors that may limit healthcare access that are usually connected to cultural, social, geographic, or social issues, although, it does not mean that it is completely impossible.
There are numerous ways on how to access a healthcare service remotely, and here are only just a few of the examples that can be more than efficient and which you may find helpful in case you are in need.
Telehealth
People that may live in remote and distant areas will most probably need to travel a long time and great distances in order to attend a healthcare service and receive the required treatment. One of the ways to connect with a medical professional is through videoconferencing. In case it is not possible for you to do such a thing, because of poor internet connection or any other reason, booking a healthcare appointment can be over telephone services. There you can seek advice, receive answers to all questions that you may have, and receive proper treatment. Telehealth can also be a great alternative in case you have no possible way to access a healthcare facility. Medicare telehealth service is not in need of any specific equipment besides having a phone.
In case you decide to go on that path and seek Telehealth services, make sure that the service meets your requirements and that the privacy laws are satisfied. Another growing avenue for telemedicine is remote patient monitoring that gives patients access to what they need.
It can assist patients in every possible way, just like medical experts, like giving them the opportunity to extend care to those people that live in hard-to-reach places.
Benefits of Telehealth
There are numerous situations in which telemedicine can help and be proven to be a great alternative to traditional health care systems. These are some of those instances:
- Queries about different medical issues and how to treat them at home
- Headaches, back pain, digestive troubles, sore throat, and other common medical problems can be easily diagnosed
- Short term medical prescriptions can be refilled much faster
- When regular medical care is not possible during the weekend, holidays, or during any other similar situation
- Check-ins or follow-ups for chronic care post-treatment is possible
- There is a possibility to access help even in the case that a patient is unable to leave their house because of the bad weather or sickness.
Home Medicine Service
Another choice is to be a part of the Home Medicines Service. That is a temporary program that is paying a fee per delivery of pharmaceutical products for home delivery to people that are vulnerable. People that fit the criteria may receive “repatriation pharmaceutical benefits scheme medicines” as well as “pharmaceutical benefits scheme medications”.
Those who want to see if fit the criteria and would like to participate in this pharmacy program should visit their official site. Patients that are not in such a vulnerable position will still be able to receive the service, although the prices may change and the delivery may not be free.
Usually, pharmacies should advise their users in the case they are not able for any reason to provide a home delivery service.
Mobile Clinics
One of the ways to access healthcare service is through mobile clinics. They usually include clinics that can provide people with preventive care services, dental service care from a truck, van, or even a bus, and other primary care services. They have all of the necessary technology that is needed in order to provide the best possible service in any area no matter if it is urban or rural.
For instance, over 700 mobile health clinics are now operating in the USA with at least one in each state according to the Mobile Health Map. A study that was done in 2013 of one mobile clinic in Boston, called “Family Van” has made the conclusion that there were significant savings in costs due to a reduction in the number of people that were taken to the emergency room. Many patients have also had a huge reduction in their blood pressure that was serviced by the van.
It is important to take all necessary steps to access healthcare services, especially in a growing and remote world. The patients will feel supported and accounted for. These types of “connectivity tools” and engagements will allow you to receive the support you need and eventually lead you to a better quality of life.
